The council engaged in a conversation about the RVSA system’s rising flow rates, which has become a concern. The burrow engineer cited potential factors such as higher groundwater levels and redevelopment projects contributing to the increase. The discussion with the council members brought up the need for potential reimbursement from Cranford for the Gallows Hill Road project and the need to coordinate with the Cranford building department to investigate the sources of excess water entering the system. Despite the engineer’s uncertainty about the specific cause of the increased flow rate, the importance of further investigation was underscored.

The engineer also reported on the progress of the Municipal Aid 25 grant application and ongoing restoration work by Elizabethtown Gas. Additionally, the council inquired about the status of road work in the area, including the timing of Department of Transportation (DOT) projects and paint work completion.

During the meeting, there was a discussion on a resolution authorizing a $5,000 salary increase for an employee assuming additional sewer clerk duties. Councilwoman Salmon voiced her concerns regarding the lack of a clear plan from the finance committee and the financial impact of such an increase without a defined direction. After a vote, the resolution was adopted despite some council members expressing reservations.

Furthermore, the Borough Administrator clarified several parking ordinances, including the introduction of paid parking on certain streets and the removal of 24-hour residential parking in specific areas. The council also considered an ordinance allowing the administrator to hire seasonal and temporary employees without prior council approval. Additionally, a resolution authorizing the borough to join a purchasing alliance was discussed, along with another resolution related to concessions at the Athletic Field Complex.

The Police Committee reported on the expansion of the paid parking overlay to parts of North Avenue and JFK Plaza and addressed concerns about the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue, which will be revisited in a subsequent meeting. Also discussed were the adoption of ordinances related to land use, traffic, and parking, and the introduction of ordinances amending the borough code and establishing a restricted parking zone.

On a community level, the Municipal Alliance is seeking volunteers, with the new coordinator, Patricia Vasquez. The Department of Public Works was also a topic of discussion, with updates on street sweeping challenges due to parked cars, the plan to hire additional seasonal workers, and the status of employees on workers’ compensation.

The meeting provided a snapshot of the Public Works committee’s recommendation to continue using seasonal employees, commending the borough administrator, CFO, and DPW Foreman for their service. Duties such as common area cleanups, street sweeping, and support for community events were outlined.

The Garwood Police Department’s recent activities were highlighted, including a successful response to a shoplifting incident and reminders for residents about heat-related dangers and thunderstorm precautions.

The Mayor’s representative, despite the mayor’s absence, detailed upcoming library events, such as virtual kids’ craft pickups and an ice cream social. The Garwood Board of Education’s adoption of a long-range facilities plan and the collective negotiations agreement with the Garwood Education Association were reported by the School Board liaison.

Public comments included expressions of support for police, firefighters, rescue squad personnel, and military personnel, as well as concerns about road conditions, construction impacts, and the reopening of area hospitals. Additionally, residents raised issues about the sewer billing program, parking tickets, and the clarity of executive session agendas.

In other discussions, the council expressed disappointment with the slow progress on Gallows Hill Road but committed to follow up. The successful completion of a project allowing for a new bike lane, the praise for the Westfield mural, and the allocation of $5,000 for tree planting in the borough were also topics of conversation. Debates arose over the spraying of the brook, with questions raised about the timing and alternative options.

Lastly, the council addressed concerns from residents, including gratitude for the installation of automated external defibrillators and upcoming CPR classes, disappointment over a pesticide spraying resolution, and questions about a salary increase for a sewer billing position. These concerns were heard, and the council agreed to allow for the submission of graphics to promote CPR classes, though no resolution was reached on other raised issues.